Running into breathing problems Exercise and Breathing Problems
Running into breathing problems?
Exercise and Breathing Problems During or after exercise, do you have: • shortness of breath • wheezing or noisy breathing • coughing • trouble getting a breath • chest tightness • unusual fatigue You may have exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) www. Allergy. And. Asthma. Relief. org
Exercise and Breathing Problems EIB vs. Exercise-Induced Asthma • exercise does not cause asthma but can trigger symptoms • EIB can affect people who don’t have asthma www. Allergy. And. Asthma. Relief. org
Exercise and Breathing Problems Who has EIB? • 80 percent to 90 percent of people with asthma, including children • 10 percent of the general population • 50 percent of elite athletes • Many don’t realize it www. Allergy. And. Asthma. Relief. org
Exercise and Breathing Problems What causes EIB? • Rapid breathing which irritates and dries out airways • Changes in temperature and humidity • Breathing through mouth which does not warm and humidify air www. Allergy. And. Asthma. Relief. org
Exercise and Breathing Problems How do I find out if I have EIB? See an allergist who will: • Take medical history • Ask about symptoms • Do an exam • Measure how lungs work are www. Allergy. And. Asthma. Relief. org
Exercise and Breathing Problems How is EIB treated? Your allergist develops treatment plan, medicines might include: • Quick-relief medicine taken 15 minutes to 20 minutes before exercise to open airways, also carried while exercising • Long-term control medicine taken every day to treat the inflammation of the airways and help prevent symptoms www. Allergy. And. Asthma. Relief. org
Exercise and Breathing Problems What else can I do to prevent EIB? • • Warm up at least 10 minutes before exercise Breathe through the nose Use a face mask or scarf in cold weather Limit exercise in cold weather or if you have a virus www. Allergy. And. Asthma. Relief. org
Exercise and Breathing Problems What else can I do to prevent EIB? • Cool down after exercise • Avoid exercising outside when pollen counts are high if you have allergies www. Allergy. And. Asthma. Relief. org
Exercise and Breathing Problems What type of exercise triggers EIB? • Endurance sports – running – soccer – biking – basketball – cross-country skiing – ice hockey www. Allergy. And. Asthma. Relief. org
Exercise and Breathing Problems What type of exercise should I do? • Sports less likely to cause problems – – – – Walking Hiking Golf Baseball Football Gymnastics Shorter track and field events Swimming www. Allergy. And. Asthma. Relief. org
Exercise and Breathing Problems When should I see an allergist? Your allergist can help you find relief, especially if breathing problems: • Stop you from exercising • Decrease your quality of life • Include warning signs of asthma www. Allergy. And. Asthma. Relief. org
Exercise and Breathing Problems For more information and to find an allergist, visit: www. Allergy. And. Asthma. Relief. org
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